Windows 7 - Doing a Clean Install with a Upgrade Windows 7 Version

I've done the "custom upgrade" from Vista to Windows 7 a few times now - each time telling the process to reformat the primary partition on the hard drive. I was thrown off by the fact that you can't watch the actual reformat process.

I presume the drive is reformatted, though -- cuz all of the progs are gone.

brink,

what would be your recommendation if i have downloaded the win 7 64 student download upgrade pack. i have a vista 32 machine. i see that you must do a clean install in order to go from 32 to 64. do you see a strategy where i could possibly burn this download to a disk in iso for and do a clean install from it?? Otherwise it looks like i'll have to contact microsoft to see if they would send me the disk. what would you do?

No need for a disk, just follow this tutorial it works great!

Make bootable iso from student d/l

does his system support a 64-bit OS, though?

Here's how to find out...

GRC|SecurAble: Determine Processor Security Features|

Hi

I have read thru this thread and would like to confirm that the following is OK:

1. I have a legal retail Upgrade copy of Windows 7 Home Premium, which I used to upgrade my laptop from Vista to Win 7 32 bit.

2. I am about to buy a new desktop which will have Win 7 Home Premium 64 bit installed.

3. I would like to do a Clean install, to get rid of all the bloatware, using my upgrade disk.The 64 bit one.

4. I assume that to activate I would use the product key that comes with the new computer.

Is my understanding correct? The salesman in Futureshop is telling me that this is not possible with Win 7.

Thanks

Ed

Yes, it is possible to use a retail DVD to reinstall factory OEM Vista and Windows 7, but not XP.

It will activate with the Product Key on the COA sticker, although it may require a robocall to sort out the individual key if the sticker contains a batch key. You can also audit the key from your HD using Belarc Advisor.

It would be interesting to hear from the salesman why he thinks it will not work. You would think he would be more of an advocate for the customer than interested in enforcing the manufacturer's bloatware. Or maybe he just doesn't know what he's talking about.

You can use the retail copy to intall windows...keyless that is, but use the OEM product key to activate, I don't think that is possible...you need a new product key to activate it.

The product key that comes with the new pc is OEM...and you will be using that on a retail copy of Windows?...hmmm....

Good People,
To do a clean install using upgrade version, simply follow the advice given by Shawn Brink or by Paul Thurott.

Yes, it works as they both have stated in their respective write-ups. I've done it several times.

Please read their descriptions carefully and follow to the letter.

Probieren geht ueber studieren.

The retail and OEM installer are the same beginning with Vista.

You only need to make sure you have the correct version. All versions can also be unlocked in any installer by removal of ei.cfg file, or using tool to remove it from .iso here: Ei.cfg Removal Utility Lets You Use Any Product Key With Your Windows 7 Disc - Installation - Lifehacker